Cuddler Program

Cuddling for a Cause

Every parent wants to be with their baby at all times, especially in the overwhelming environment of the NICU. However, babies may be in the NICU for as long as three months and with other children, jobs that they can’t leave for an extended time, etc. they can’t be there full time. Working and busy parents take great solace in the fact that if they can’t be at the hospital during daytime hours, NICU “cuddlers,” who are hospital trained, are there to provide that “human touch” so desperately needed by all babies, especially those in the NICU.

The “cuddlers” provide therapeutic talk and touch – they don’t feed, change diapers or walk around with the babies. They simply hold them, read to them or quietly singing to them. It is required that the NICU “cuddlers” hold them for a minimum of 45 minutes up to four consecutive hours, providing the infant comfort and appropriate stimulation. The work the “cuddlers” do helps preemies grow faster, so they can go home to their families sooner.

NICU “cuddlers” have to go through extensive classroom and bedside training, beyond what is required of a typical volunteer. “Cuddlers” maintain strict hand washing, infection control and practices while in the NICU, and adhere to all hospital policies and confidentiality.